I think it's an interesting idea, but should be set as an option and default to ...

		tambourine_man 54 days ago \| parent \| context \| favorite \| on: Terminals should generate the 256-color palette I think it's an interesting idea, but should be set as an option and default to off, for the reason you describe. If the user sets a sensible 16 color palette though, many old utils could look great out of the box. I'm enticed by the idea.